A bill that lowers North Carolina's gasoline tax immediately but opens the door to higher tax rates later has cleared the Senate - but not before there was more sniping from Republicans and Democrats.The measure given final Senate approval Thursday reduces the rate by 2.5 cents per gallon to 35 cents March 1 through the rest of the year. The tax formula would be changed after that.Republicans say the changes provide stability for road-building revenues and would ensure projects in the pipeline are completed. But Democrats say the GOP is hiding a long-term tax increase. Projections show the tax rate could be 7 cents higher in 2019 compared with the current rules.The bill's next stop is the House, where changes are expected.

RALEIGH, N.C. —

A bill that lowers North Carolina's gasoline tax immediately but opens the door to higher tax rates later has cleared the Senate - but not before there was more sniping from Republicans and Democrats.

The measure given final Senate approval Thursday reduces the rate by 2.5 cents per gallon to 35 cents March 1 through the rest of the year. The tax formula would be changed after that.

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Republicans say the changes provide stability for road-building revenues and would ensure projects in the pipeline are completed. But Democrats say the GOP is hiding a long-term tax increase. Projections show the tax rate could be 7 cents higher in 2019 compared with the current rules.